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Director of Communications and External Relations

col-wide

Title:

Director of Communications and External Relations

Employment Type:

Full time

Location:

Seattle, WA

Application Contact:

lboyle@caseygrants.org

Job Description:

Marguerite Casey Foundation exists to help low-income families strengthen their voice and mobilize their communities in order to achieve a more just and equitable society for all. Marguerite Casey Foundation believes families are the leaders of change. We are dedicated to nurturing a grassroots movement of empowered families to advocate for our communities—and a nation—that benefits everyone.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Marguerite Casey Foundation provides multiyear, general-support grants to grassroots groups in the 13 states with the highest concentration of family poverty in the United States, as well as to national organizations. Since our inception, the Foundation has made nearly 1,500 grants, totaling over $400 million.

POSITION OVERVIEWReporting to the President and CEO as a member of the Foundation's leadership team, the incumbent is responsible for leading external and internal communications to advance Marguerite Casey Foundation’s mission and vision. Communications is integral to our organizational strategy. We aim to strengthen a grassroots movement by elevating the voices of families and grantees, increasing awareness of the inter-related issues affecting them, and promoting their strength and resilience in order to shift the public narrative about poverty and people experiencing it.

The Director will work collaboratively with the President and CEO to formulate goals and lead strategies and tactics that lift the voices of families and grantees, as well as the Foundation’s efforts in service to them. The Director will oversee the communications team and supervise their activities. The team manages foundation and grantee communications, as well as special projects and partnerships that advance communications efforts. It produces Equal Voice News, which is both a digital platform of family stories on poverty and policy and a biannual print magazine.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe Director of Communications and External Relations will:• Oversee Marguerite Casey Foundation’s external and internal communications, working collaboratively with the leadership and communication teams to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that enable the Foundation to deliver on its mission and goals.• Assist in establishing Marguerite Casey Foundation as a place for learning and sharing information for grantees, communities, networks and the field of philanthropy.• Manage Marguerite Casey Foundation’s brand, including consistent messaging and look and feel across the organization—its communication channels and messengers of staff, board, and key stakeholders.• Lead creative and content development of all communications, including digital, print, video, traditional and social media, surveys, presentations, and other platforms. • Manage media strategy that includes building and maintaining relationships with key reporters and outlets, identifying and pitching story opportunities, and responding to current events, news, and inquiries.• Evaluate and elevate online presence and bring a new perspective to digital and social media.• Serve as strategic counsel to and support the communications needs of the President and CEO and other senior staff with content, such as the president’s letters, blog posts and speeches.• Manage, mentor, and provide guidance and direction to communications team members, supporting their day-to-day work and professional development.• Collaborate with organizational allies to strategically align our goals and efforts to collectively advance social justice for families.• Ensure that both internal and external communications are innovative, interesting, current, and regular.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONSThe Marguerite Casey Foundation seeks a candidate with:• Bachelor’s degree in communications, policy, or a related field, preferred.• At least 10 years of experience in communications, journalism, marketing, media relations, public policy, or a related field.• A strong track record of developing and effectively leading cause-oriented communications strategies and/or campaigns; experience in philanthropy is especially valued.• Knowledge of and experience in social justice, anti-poverty and/or family economic security issues.• Proven ability to manage daily communications activities, while maintaining a big picture, strategic mindset. Experience in tracking communication metrics and measuring impact.• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communications skills, as well as presentation skills.• Strong editorial and production experience with print and digital content.• Traditional and social media expertise and savvy, with experience pitching stories and managing media relations.• Fluency in digital communications.• Familiarity and experience working with senior leaders, board of directors, and committees.• Strong project and team management skills, alongside a commitment to lead and mentor people’s professional development.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES• Ability to work effectively with a broad range of people and as a collaborative team member.• Interest in nurturing a strong culture and a high-performing team. Experience working in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.• Independent thinking with openness and excitement for new ideas.• Ability to work and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.• Strong work ethic; resourcefulness and willingness to take on wide-ranging responsibilities.• Curiosity and a sense of humor.• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is an essential part of Marguerite Casey Foundation’s work to advance equity. Candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.